RUGBY

Coleraine Rugby Club are training hard and feeling positive about the challenges which lie ahead of them in the new season.
Coleraine Firsts coach Richard Boyd.Coleraine Firsts coach Richard Boyd.
Coleraine Firsts coach Richard Boyd.

Pre-season training has been going well with an impressive turn-out of old and new players boding well for strong performances in the league and cups.

Coleraine head coach Richard Boyd is positive about the campaign to come. He said: “I am really looking forward to the season ahead and hope to improve upon the strong foundations put in place last year.

“We have managed to keep our entire squad for the first time in many years despite numerous inquiries by local AIL clubs over the past few months.

“I see this as a real positive as it highlights the fact we have some real quality in the squad and as a club we are going in the right direction with players wanting to stay and progress here over the next few seasons.

“I am delighted with how recruitment has gone and believe we have a strong backroom team now to deliver a competitive 1st and 2nd XV on a consistent basis. Pre-season has got off to a really positive start and the hard work is well underway.”

The 1st XV embark on a new season after narrowly missing out on promotion to Carrick and Enniskillen last year. The club has been very active during the off-season, upgrading the club gym and pitches and recruiting coaches and players.

Bokkie Carstens returns for another year as the club’s overseas player and the club are delighted by the return of Adam Parke after a successful knee operation. Mikey Poskitt has been named as the club captain for the season with Dijon McCorkell as his vice-captain.

Club Captain Mikey Poskitt said: “I am really excited and delighted to be club Captain. We have a great bunch of lads here who work hard for each other but also enjoy the banter and it is great to see some new faces to freshen up and bolster the squad for the hard season ahead.

“Pre-season has been hard work so far but great fun at the same time. We have plenty of variety at training with two beach sessions and a team-building morning already completed and I would really encourage anyone who is interested to come down and get involved.

“The senior section train at 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the club and all past, current and new players of all abilities are welcome to come along and join in. I wish the coaching team and all the players the best of luck for the season ahead and hope that the local community will get behind the club as well.”

They travel to the Randalstown tournament this Saturday with the competitive season getting underway on the 27th August against Banbridge 2s in the Conference League at home.